Today would have been my dear Dad's birthday. Had he lived till now, he would have been 97 today. However, if asked, I know he would have said, as he always did when asked his age: "I'm 21 today!"
Two things you should know about my Dad. A salesman through and through, he always had a keen eye for a bargain and he loved all sports. So on his birthday I think it's worth re-telling a story
which has passed into our family folklore.
Soon after I was born, my Mum sent Dad out to buy me a pram, having seen one advertised, second-hand, for the princely sum of 10 shillings (that's
50p to those of you born in the decimal age........)
Dad duly spent the 10 shillings and came home with a bargain - in the shape of a full-size snooker table. The shoppers among
you will doubtless agree that some bargains just have to be snapped up. History does not relate my mother's reaction.
Obviously I was too young to bear a grudge. So, Happy 21st Birthday (again) dear Dad!